Educational approaches to literacy and arts in primary education

Educational initiatives in Spain are emphasizing the importance of literacy and the arts for child development. At La Salle Bonanova, the ELEVA program (Entrenament de la Lectura En Veu Alta) is being implemented with second-grade primary students. The program utilizes a three-phase approach consisting of preparation through silent reading, performance via loud reading with active listening, and evaluation through reflection. Students practice various text types, including poems and tongue twisters, to improve articulation, rhythm, and pronunciation.

Complementing these literacy efforts, neuroeducator David Bueno from the University of Barcelona advocates for the arts to serve as the backbone of the educational system until mid-primary school. Bueno suggests that engaging in music, visual arts, and performing arts increases neural plasticity and fosters connections between emotions and rational thought. According to Bueno, these artistic disciplines help children explore, experiment, and express themselves, ultimately contributing to the development of a balanced personality.